noun

positron

POZ-ih-tron

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Positron (noun) means the antimatter counterpart of the electron: identical mass, opposite (positive) charge. Example: “A positron carries the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.”

noun

particle physics The antimatter counterpart of the electron: identical mass, opposite (positive) charge.

"A positron carries the same mass as an electron but a positive charge."

"When a positron collides with an electron, the pair can annihilate."

"The particle detector recorded a positron track curving through the field."

How to use positron

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe positively charged twin of the electron, made of antimatter.

When to use it

It's a technical term confined mainly to physics.

Memory tip

Note the positive in positron: it's the electron's positively charged antimatter partner.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

electron → proton →

Common pairings

a positron and an electron detect a positron a positron track

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “positron” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ carries the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.

Etymology

Formed from positive and the ending -tron, taken from electron, to name the positively charged counterpart of the electron. The American physicist Carl Anderson coined the term in 1932 to replace an earlier name, antielectron.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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antielectron

Rhymes for positron

citron

See all rhymes for positron →

Frequently asked questions

What is a positron?

It's the antimatter equivalent of an electron, having the same mass but a positive charge instead of negative.

Who coined the term positron?

The American physicist Carl Anderson coined it in 1932.

Is positron another word for antielectron?

Yes, antielectron was an earlier name for the same particle, later replaced by positron.

What is the meaning of positron?

"positron" (noun) means the antimatter counterpart of the electron: identical mass, opposite (positive) charge.